Apparatus for cable processing

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for processing a cable including an insulating member, a shielding layer, and a conductor, the apparatus includes a frame forming a housing having an aperture configured to receive an end portion of the cable; a first gripping member disposed within the housing and being configured to grip the cable; and a second gripping member disposed within the housing and being configured to grip the cable; wherein the second gripping member is mounted within the housing so as to be movable relative to the first gripping member to effect fanning and cutting of a portion of the shielding layer.

FIELD

The aspects of the disclosed embodiment relate to cable processing andmore particularly to apparatus for cutting and/or folding components ofa cable.

BACKGROUND

A wiring harness includes a bundle of cables, and each cable can includemultiple wires (each having a conductor 203—FIG. 2) therein. At leastsome known cables include at least one wire surrounded by a shieldinglayer 202 (FIG. 2) which is surrounded by a wire jacket or insulatingmember 201 (FIG. 2). While assembling a wiring harness, a portion of theinsulating member 201 is removed, and a portion of the exposed shielding202 is removed. In some cases the shielding 202 is smoothed down overthe wire(s) (e.g., dead-ended applications) or folded back over the wirejacket or insulating member 201 (e.g., grounded applications).

Generally wire shielding is cut manually to avoid, for example, damageto the underlying wires. During cutting of the shielding an operator hasto manually fan the shielding out, then utilize wire cutters to trim offsegments of the shielding material while being careful not to damage theunderling wires. The cut shielding is then manually smoothed down overthe wire(s) or folded back over the wire jacket. This shielding cuttingand folding process is slow, includes risk of an operator damaging theunderlying wires and is not repeatable due to, for example, variationsin operator technique.

Although some conventional wire stripping tools may exist, such as toolsfor use with cylindrical cables (e.g., coaxial cables) that have afiller to make the cross section of the cable round. At least in theaerospace industry, the filler is omitted from the cables for weightsavings, leaving the cable with an irregular cross-sectional shape notsuitable for use with the conventional wire stripping tools.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, apparatus and method, intended to address theabove-identified concerns, would find utility.

One example of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus forprocessing a cable including an insulating member, a shielding layer,and a conductor, the apparatus includes a frame forming a housing havingan aperture configured to receive an end portion of the cable; a firstgripping member disposed within the housing and being configured to gripthe cable; and a second gripping member disposed within the housing andbeing configured to grip the cable; wherein the second gripping memberis mounted within the housing so as to be movable relative to the firstgripping member to effect fanning and cutting of a portion of theshielding layer.

One example of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for cableprocessing including a frame forming a housing, and a clamping systemconfigured to automatically fan and cut a shielding layer of a cableinserted into the apparatus, and remove a cut portion of the shieldinglayer from the cable.

One example of the present disclosure relates to a method for processinga cable having an insulating member, a shielding layer and one or moreconductors, includes positioning a first shielding gripper and a secondshielding gripper relative to the cable so that each of the first andsecond shielding gripper grip at least the shielding layer; moving thefirst and second shielding grippers relative to each other so that oneor more of the first and second shielding gripper moves along alongitudinal axis of the cable towards the other one of the first andsecond shielding gripper to fan of a portion of the shielding layergripped by the first and second shielding grippers; and shearing theportion of the shielding layer from the cable with the first and secondshielding grippers through the relative movement of the first and secondshielding grippers.

One example of the present disclosure relates to a cable processingsystem including a frame having at least a first movable member and asecond movable member; a first shielding gripper disposed on the firstmovable member, the first shielding gripper being configured forplacement around and gripping of at least a shielding layer of a cable;and a second shielding gripper disposed on the second movable member,the second shielding gripper being configured for placement around andgripping of at least the shielding layer of the cable, the first andsecond shielding gripper are arranged on the frame so that the cablepasses simultaneously through both the first and second shieldinggrippers; wherein the frame is arranged so that relative movement of thefirst and second movable members causes relative movement between thefirst and second shielding grippers to fan and circumferentially shearthe shielding layer with the first and second shielding grippers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described examples of the disclosure in general terms,reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein like reference charactersdesignate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, andwherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a cable shielding cutting and foldingmechanism or apparatus, according to aspects of the disclosedembodiment;

FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of a cable shielding cutting andfolding mechanism or apparatus, according to aspects of the disclosedembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a cable, according to aspects ofthe disclosed embodiment;

FIGS. 3-13 are schematic illustrations of portions of the cableshielding cutting and folding apparatus engaging the wire, according toaspects of the disclosed embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of a cable including cut and foldedshielding in accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of a method in accordance with aspects of thedisclosed embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram of aircraft production and servicemethodology; and

FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of an aircraft.

In the block diagram(s) referred to above, solid lines, if any,connecting various elements and/or components may represent mechanical,electrical, fluid, optical, electromagnetic and other couplings and/orcombinations thereof. As used herein, “coupled” means associateddirectly as well as indirectly. For example, a member A may be directlyassociated with a member B, or may be indirectly associated therewith,e.g., via another member C. Couplings other than those depicted in theblock diagrams may also exist. Dashed lines, if any, connecting thevarious elements and/or components represent couplings similar infunction and purpose to those represented by solid lines; however,couplings represented by the dashed lines may either be selectivelyprovided or may relate to alternative or optional aspects of thedisclosure. Likewise, elements and/or components, if any, representedwith dashed lines, indicate alternative or optional aspects of thedisclosure. Environmental elements, if any, are represented with dottedlines.

In the block diagram(s) referred to above, the blocks may also representoperations and/or portions thereof. Lines connecting the various blocksdo not imply any particular order or dependency of the operations orportions thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth toprovide a thorough understanding of the disclosed concepts, which may bepracticed without some or all of these particulars. In other instances,details of known devices and/or processes have been omitted to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. While some concepts will bedescribed in conjunction with specific examples, it will be understoodthat these examples are not intended to be limiting.

Reference herein to “one example” or “one aspect” means that one or morefeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theexample or aspect is included in at least one implementation. The phrase“one example” or “one aspect” in various places in the specification mayor may not be referring to the same example or aspect.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc.are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to imposeordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to whichthese terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item doesnot require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” orlower-numbered item, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1, 1A and 2, one example of the disclosedembodiment relates to a cable shielding cutting and folding mechanism orapparatus 100 (referred to herein as the “apparatus 100”) for wireprocessing. It is noted that the term “cable” is inclusive of a “wire”which includes a single conductor within an insulating member. It isalso noted that the “cable” may include one or more conductors within acommon insulating member or jacket where each conductor may include arespective insulating member or jacket (i.e. the cable may include oneor more wires disposed within the common insulting member). Theapparatus 100 may be configured, as will be described below, to cut andfold shielding 202 of a cable 200 and enable a consistent automatedand/or manual removal of cable shielding 202. As will be described ingreater detail below, the apparatus 100 operates to fan the shieldingout by displacing the shielding 202 material back toward the cablejacket or insulating member 201 to fan out the shielding 202 at atermination 201T of the insulating member 201. Two (e.g., a first and asecond) circumferential shielding grippers 101, 102 of clamping system199CS (FIG. 7) are moved relative to one another over the cable 200 toinduce the fanning of the shielding 202 at a predetermined location suchthat the relative movement between the first and second shieldinggrippers shears at least a portion of the fanned shielding. In oneaspect the first and second shielding grippers 101, 102 may be in theform of mating dies that are sized and shaped to cut or otherwise shearthe shielding 202 at a predetermined distance from the insulating member201 termination 201T. The first and second shielding grippers 101, 102are configured to cause a spherical shearing of the shielding 202 aroundthe entire circumference of the cable 200. The first and secondshielding grippers 101, 102 may also be configured to “clean” the cableby removing the sheared shielding and flattening or otherwise smoothingthe uncut portion of the shielding 202 that remains on the cable 200. Inone aspect, the shielding 202 may be optionally folded back over theinsulating member 201 with a shielding folder 104. The apparatus 100 mayautomate the removal and finishing of the shielding 202 layer of thecable or cable 200.

In one aspect, referring to FIGS. 1 and 1A, the apparatus 100 may be anautomated machine that may be a standalone machine or be incorporated asa module within a larger wire harness processing machine. Here the cableshielding cuffing and folding apparatus 100 may include a frame forminga housing 100H and a first and second shielding gripper 101, 102, anoptional shielding fanner 103 and an optional shielding folder 104disposed within the housing 100H. The automated machine may also includeany suitable controller 100C, which includes suitable programming codefor performing the fanning, cutting and/or folding of the shielding 202and the “cleaning” of the cable or cable 200 as described herein. Forexample, the automated machine may include a first portion AM1 includingthe first and second shielding gripper 101, 102, an optional secondportion AM2 including the shielding fanner 103 and an optional thirdportion AM3 that includes the shielding folder 104. In one aspect theautomated machine may be configured such that either the cable 200 ismoved between portions AM1, AM2, AM3 of the automated machine (whicheach include a respective aperture 100HA, 100HA2, 100HA3 through whichthe cable 200 is inserted into the housing 100H to interact with therespective portion AM1, AM2, AM3) such that the cable shielding is cutand optionally folded, e.g. by automatically moving the first and secondshielding grippers 101, 102, shielding fanner 103 and shielding folder104, in the manner described herein. In other aspects the portions AM1,AM2, AM3 of the automated machine may be movable within the housing 100Hto engage and disengage the cable 200 while the cable 202 is heldstationary (e.g., such as when inserted through aperture 100HA) suchthat the portions AM1, AM2, AM3 of the automated machine are placed overand removed from the cable 200 such that the cable shielding 202 is cutand folded, e.g., by automatically moving the first and second shieldinggrippers 101, 102, shielding fanner 103 and shielding folder 104, in themanner described herein. In still other aspects the automated machinemay have any suitable configuration, for cutting and folding theshielding 202, that includes the first and second shielding gripper 101,102, and optionally the shielding fanner 103 and the shielding folder104. In one aspect, the first shielding gripper 101 may be disposed nearor adjacent the aperture 100HA so that the cable 200 passes at leastpartially through the first shielding gripper 101 when the cable 200 isinserted through the aperture 100HA. The second shielding gripper 102may be positioned relative to the first shielding gripper 101 such thatthe first shielding gripper 101 is disposed between the aperture 100HAand the second shielding gripper 102.

As may be realized, any suitable sensors S1, S2, S3 may be disposed atleast partly within a respective portion AM1, AM2, AM3 of the automatedmachine. The sensors S1, S2, S3 may be connected to the controller 100Cin any suitable manner for at least partly effecting the control of thefanning, cutting and/or shield folding process. In one aspect thesensors may be contact sensors, such as limit switches that limit travelof, for example, linear actuators that move one or more of the first andsecond shielding grippers 101, 102, shielding fanner 103 and shieldingfolder 104 relative to the cable 200. In other aspects the sensors S1,S2, S3 may be one or more of optical, capacitive and inductive sensorsthat sense one or more of the first and second shielding grippers 101,102, shielding fanner 103 and shielding folder 104 during movement. Thesensors may send suitable signals to the controller 100C when one ormore of the first and second shielding grippers 101, 102, shieldingfanner 103 and shielding folder 104 reach a predetermined location inthe fanning, cutting and/or folding process such that upon reaching thepredetermined position the controller 100C issues a suitable command toone or more components of the automated machine for proceeding to a nextprocessing step as those steps are described herein. In yet otheraspects, the sensors may detect the current draw on the motors of thelinear or other actuators that move one or more of the first and secondshielding grippers 101, 102, shielding fanner 103 and shielding folder104 such that when the current rises above a predetermined level themovement of one or more of the first and second shielding grippers 101,102, shielding fanner 103 and shielding folder 104 stops, and thecontroller 100C issues suitable commands for proceeding to a nextprocessing step as those steps described herein.

In another aspect, referring to FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 may be one ormore hand tools that include the first and second shielding gripper 101,102, shielding fanner 103 and shielding folder 104. For example, a firsthand tool HT1 may include the first and second shielding gripper and beconfigured to provide relative movement, as described herein, betweenthe first and second shielding grippers for cutting the shielding 202.An optional second hand tool HT2 may include the shielding fanner 103and be configured to cause relative movement between the shieldingfanner 103 and the cable 200, as described herein, for fanning theshielding 202 prior to folding. An optional third hand tool HT3 mayinclude the shielding folder 104 and be configured to cause relativemovement between the shielding folder 104 and the cable 200, asdescribed herein, for folding the shielding 202. For example, the secondand third hand tools may include a cable gripping portion HT2G, HT3G forgripping a portion of the cable 202 (e.g., such as the cable insulatingmember 201) while the shielding fanner 103 and/or shielding folder 104is moved relative to the cable 200. In other aspects the first andsecond shielding gripper 101, 102, shielding fanner 103 and shieldingfolder 104 may be incorporated into any suitable number of hand tools.

As may be realized each of the hand tools may include a frame having afirst and second movable member HTM1, HTM2 to which the shieldinggrippers 101, 102, shielding fanner 103, shielding folder 104 and cablegripping portions HT2G, HT3G are coupled. For example, referring to handtool HT1, the a first shielding gripper 101 may be disposed on the firstmovable member HTM1 of hand tool HT1 where the first shielding gripper101 is configured for placement around and gripping of at least ashielding layer of a cable as described herein. The second shieldinggripper 102 may be disposed on the second movable member HTM2 where thesecond shielding gripper 102 is configured for placement around andgripping of at least the shielding layer of the cable as describedherein. The first and second shielding gripper are arranged on the frameHT1F of the hand tool HT1 so that the cable passes simultaneouslythrough both the first and second cable gripper. The frame HT1F of thehand tool HT1 is arranged so that relative movement of the first andsecond movable members HTM1, HTM2 causes relative movement between thefirst and second shielding grippers 101, 102 to effect a fanning andcircumferential shearing of the shielding layer with the first andsecond shielding gripper 101, 102 as described herein. The hand toolsHT2, HT3 may have a substantially similar configuration to that of handtool HT1 such that the cable gripping portions HT2G, HT3G are arrangedon one of the movable members HTM1, HTM2 of the respective hand toolHT2, HT3 and the shielding fanner 103 and shielding folder 104 arearranged on the other one of the movable members HTM1, HTM2 of therespective hand tool HT2, HT3.

In yet another aspect, the apparatus 100 may be in the form of a toolhaving an automated portion and a hand tool portion. As a non-limitingexample, operation of the first and second shielding grippers 101, 102may be automated while the shielding fanner 103 and shielding folder 104may be integrated into hand tools. In other aspects any suitable portionof the apparatus may be automated and/or hand tool operated.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first shielding gripper 101 may include two ormore gripper portions 101A, 101B. While two gripper portions 101A, 101Bare illustrated in the Figures, it should be understood that the firstshielding gripper 101 may include any suitable number of gripperportions that mate with each other to form the first shielding gripper101 and to, for example, accommodate different diameter cables. In oneaspect, each gripper portion 101A, 101B may include locating features101C that locate the gripper portions 101A, 101B relative to one anotheras the gripper portions are moved radially in the direction of arrow 221(FIG. 2) (relative to the cable 200) for engaging the cable 200 asdescribed herein. In other aspects the gripper portions 101A, 101B maybe located relative to one another in any suitable manner such as withguide members of the automated machine or hand tool. In another aspectthe first shielding gripper 101 may be a unitary one piece memberconfigured to longitudinally slide over the cable 200 in the directionof arrow 220 (FIG. 2). Each of the gripper portions 101A, 101B mayinclude a body 300A, 300B that forms an aperture 101AP when the gripperportions 101A, 101B are mated together. In one aspect the aperture 101APmay include a recess 101R that forms a cable insulating memberengagement portion that may locate the first shielding gripper 101relative to the insulating member 201 such that the shielding 202 is cuta predetermined distance away from an insulating member termination 201T(e.g., the cut edge of the insulating member as illustrated in FIG. 2).In one aspect the aperture 101AP may include any suitable cable grippingmember 350 for gripping at least the shielding 202 of the cable. In oneaspect the cable gripping member 350 may be a resilient material orcoating that compresses as the gripper portions 101A, 101B are coupledto each other around the cable 200 so as to conform to an irregularshape (i.e. a non-circular cross section) of the cable. In other aspectsthe cable gripping member may conform to a cable having any suitableshape. In other aspects the gripping member 350 may be an inflatablebladder that inflates to grip at least the shielding 202 of the cable200. Here each gripper portion 101A, 101B may include any suitable fluidpassage AL that communicably couples the inflatable gripping member 350with any suitable fluid source FS for inflating and deflating thegripping member 350. In one aspect the recess 101R may include a cuttingedge 101RC configured to cut the insulating member 201 and grip the cutportion insulating member 201 for removal from the cable 200 as will bedescribed below. The body 300A, 300B of each of the gripping portions101A, 101B may include a radially extending collar portion 305A, 305B, astop surface 301A, 301B extending from the collar portion 305A, 305B anda shearing or punch member 302A, 302B extending from the stop surface301A, 301B. In one aspect the stop surface 301A, 301B may be a conicalsurface having its base adjacent the collar portion 305A, 305B but inother aspects the stop surface may have any suitable configuration. Inother aspects the collar portion 305A, 305B may form the stop surface.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, the second shielding gripper 102 mayinclude two or more gripper portions 102A, 102B. While two gripperportions 102A, 102B are illustrated in the Figures, it should beunderstood that the second shielding gripper 102 may include anysuitable number of gripper portions that mate with each other to formthe second shielding gripper 102 and to, for example, accommodatedifferent diameter cables. In one aspect, each gripper portion 102A,102B may include locating features 102C that locate the gripper portions102A, 102B relative to one another as the gripper portions are movedradially in the direction of arrow 221 (FIG. 2) (relative to the cable200) for engaging the cable 200 as described herein. In other aspectsthe gripper portions 102A, 102B may be located relative to one anotherin any suitable manner such as with guide members of the automatedmachine or hand tool. In another aspect the second shielding gripper 102may be a unitary one piece member configured to longitudinally slideover the cable 200 in the direction of arrow 220 (FIG. 2). Each of thegripper portions 102A, 102B may include a body 400A, 400B that forms anaperture 102AP when the gripper portions 102A, 102B are mated together.In one aspect the aperture 102AP may include a recess 401R that isshaped and sized to allow insertion of the punch member 302A, 302B ofthe first shielding gripper 101 into the aperture 102AP. The peripheraledge of the recess 401R may include a shearing or die plate member 400Cthat interfaces with the punch member 302A, 302B for shearing theshielding 202 in the manner described herein. In one aspect the aperture101AP may include any suitable cable gripping member 450 for gripping atleast the shielding 202 of the cable 200. In one aspect the cablegripping member 450 may be substantially similar to cable grippingmember 350 described above. For example, in one aspect, the grippingmember 450 may be a resilient material that compresses as the gripperportions 102A, 102B are coupled to each other around the cable 200. Inother aspects the gripping member 450 may be an inflatable bladder thatinflates to grip at least the shielding 202 of the cable 200. Here eachgripper portion 102A, 102B may include any suitable fluid passage AL1that communicably couples the inflatable gripping member 450 with anysuitable fluid source FS for inflating and deflating the gripping member450.

In one aspect, referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, one or more of the firstshielding gripper 101 and the second shielding gripper 102 may includegripping members GM, GM1 configured to grip a cut or scrap portion ofthe shielding 202 as will be described below so that the cut shieldingis held on the second shielding gripper 102 for removal from the cable200. For example, in one aspect, one or more of the collar portion 305A,305B, stop surface 301A, 301B and punch member 302A, 302B of the firstshielding gripper 101 may include one or more gripping members GMconfigured to grip a cut or scrap portion of the shielding 202 as willbe described below so that the cut shielding is held on the firstshielding gripper 101 for removal from the cable 200. In another aspect,the body 400A, 400B of the second shielding gripper 102 may include oneor more gripping members GM1 configured to grip a cut or scrap portionof the shielding 202 as will be described below so that the cutshielding is held on the second shielding gripper 102 for removal fromthe cable 200.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 10, an optional shielding fanner 103 may beprovided. In one aspect the shielding fanner 103 may be a unitary onepiece member that is configured to longitudinally slide over the cable200 in the direction of arrow 220 (FIG. 2). In other aspects theshielding fanner may include one or more fanning portions 1000A, 1000Bthat are configured for radially (relative to the cable 200) couplingwith each other (in a manner substantially similar to that describedherein with respect to the first and second shielding grippers 101,102). The shielding fanner 103 includes a body 103B (formed, e.g., bythe one (in the case of a unitary one piece member) or more fanningportions 1000A, 1000B) having an aperture 103AP shaped and sized toallow the passage of the one or more conductors 203 of the cable. Thebody 103B also includes a fanning surface 1005 and a plow member 1001that extends from the folding surface. The plow member 1001 may form atleast a portion of the aperture 103AP. The plow member 1001 may be asubstantially conical member that includes an edge 1001E configured topass between the one or more conductors 203 and the shielding 202 suchthat as the shielding fanner 103 is moved longitudinally, relative tothe cable 200, the plow member spreads the shielding layer 202 from theone or more conductors 203 and forces the shielding up against thefanning surface 1005 for fanning the shielding as will be describedherein.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 12, an optional shielding folder 104 may beprovided. In one aspect the shielding folder 104 may be a unitary onepiece member that is configured to longitudinally slide over the cable200 in the direction of arrow 220 (FIG. 2). In other aspects theshielding folder 104 may include one or more folding portions 1205A,1205B that are configured for radially (relative to the cable 200)coupling with each other (in a manner substantially similar to thatdescribed herein with respect to the first and second shielding grippers101, 102). The shielding folder 104 includes a body 104B (formed, e.g.,by the one (in the case of a unitary one piece member) or more foldingportions 1205A, 1205B) having an aperture 104AP. Here the aperture 104APincludes a substantially conical portion 1200 and a substantiallycylindrical portion 1201. The substantially conical portion 1200 isconfigured as a “mouth” or “funnel” leading to the substantiallycylindrical portion 1201 so that, as the shielding folder 104 engagesthe fanned shielding, the substantially conical portion 1200 starts tofold the fanned shielding back over the insulating member 201 andfunnels the fanned shielding into the substantially cylindrical portion1201 to complete the folding of the fanned shielding over the insulatingmember 201 as will be described below.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-15 an exemplary method for cutting andoptionally folding the shielding 202 from a cable 200 will be describedin accordance with aspects of the disclosed embodiment. As may beunderstood, a cable is provided with a portion of the insulating member201 removed such that the insulating member 201 has a termination 201Tand a portion of the shielding 202 and one or more conductors 203 isexposed and extends past the termination 201T. In one aspect the portionof the insulating member may be removed by the first shielding gripper101 in the manner described above while in other aspects the portion ofthe insulating member may be cut and removed in any suitable manner.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the first shielding gripper 101 is positionedto grip at least the shielding 202 of the cable 200 (FIG. 15, Block1500). For example, the gripper portions 101A, 101B may move laterallyor radially (e.g., relative to the cable 200) towards the cable 200 sothat the gripper portions 101A, 101B mate with each other (as describedabove) and substantially surround the cable 200. In other aspects thefirst shielding gripper 101 may be slid over the wire (e.g., the wire ispassed through the aperture 101AP) to place the first shielding gripper101 at a predetermined location of the cable (e.g., such as adjacent thetermination 201T). In one aspect where the cable gripping member 350includes a resilient material the cable gripping member 350 may compressto grip at least the shielding 202 as the gripper portions 101A, 101Bare placed around the cable 200. In other aspects, where the cablegripping member 350 includes an inflatable portion, any suitableclearance may be provided between the shielding 202 (and/or theinsulating member 201) as the gripper portions 101A, 101B are placedaround the cable 200. Here the cable gripping member 350 may beinflated, as described above, to grip at least the shielding 202.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, the second shielding gripper 102 is positionedto grip at least the shielding 202 of the cable 200 (FIG. 15, Block1501) in a manner substantially similar to that described above withrespect to the first shielding gripper 101 so that at least a portion ofthe first shielding gripper 101 is disposed between the termination 201Tand the second shielding gripper 102. As may be realized, the first andsecond shielding grippers 101, 102 may be longitudinally spaced fromeach other along the cable 200 by any suitable distance X (FIG. 5) forproviding a predetermined radial fan height RFH (FIG. 5) of theshielding. One or more of the first shielding gripper 101 and the secondshielding gripper 102 are translated longitudinally (relative to thecable 200) towards the other one of the first shielding gripper 101 andthe second shielding gripper 102 (FIG. 15, Block 1502) so that theportion of shielding 202P (FIG. 5) disposed between the first shieldinggripper 101 and the second shielding gripper 102 is compressed to effectthe fanning of the shielding 202 (FIG. 6).

As the first shielding gripper 101 and the second shielding gripper 102move towards each other, the portion of the shielding 202P is shearedthrough an interaction of the shearing member 400C and the punch member302A, 302B. For example, the clearance provided between the outerperiphery 302 of the punch member 302A, 302B and the inside surface401RS of the recess 401R may be such that as the punch member 302A, 302Bis inserted into the recess 401R the shearing member 400C shears theshielding 202 (e.g., the fanned shielding) that is pressed up againstthe punch member 302A, 302B (the sheared shielding is illustrated inFIG. 8). In one aspect the relative movement between the first andsecond shielding grippers 101, 102 may continue until the shearingmember 400C substantially contacts the stop surface 301A, 301B. In otheraspects the relative movement between the first and second shieldinggrippers 101, 102 may stop when the shearing member 400C is apredetermined distance away from the stop surface 301A, 301B.

In another aspect, the position of the first and second shieldinggrippers 101, 102 may be reversed such that the second shielding gripper102 is placed adjacent the termination 201T so that at least a portionof the second shielding gripper 102 is disposed between the termination201T and the first shielding gripper 101.

Once the portion of the shielding 202P is sheared the first and secondshielding grippers 101, 102 may be removed from the cable 200 in anysuitable manner (FIG. 15, Block 1503). In one aspect the gripperportions 101A, 101B, 102A, 102B of the at least one of the first andsecond shielding grippers 101, 102 may be decoupled from one another andmove away from the cable 200 in the direction of arrow 221 (e.g.,radially separate from the cable 200). Here the cut portion of theshielding 202C and the portion of the shielding 202P that was shearedmay remain on the cable 200 and be removed from the cable 200 in anysuitable manner such as, for exemplary purpose only, with a jet of airor a friction or gripper device that pulls the shielding 202C, 202P offthe cable. In other aspects, one or more of the first and secondshielding grippers 101, 102 may be moved longitudinally relative to thecable for removing the cut portion of shielding 202C and the portion ofshielding 202P that was sheared. For example, the distal most one of thefirst and second shielding gripper (e.g., relative to the termination201T) which in the example shown in the drawings is the second shieldinggripper 102 may be moved in the direction of arrow 220B (e.g., away fromthe first shielding gripper 101). The cable gripping member 350 of thesecond shielding gripper 102 may remain engaged with the cut portion ofshielding 202C so that as the second shielding gripper 102 is moved inthe direction of arrow 220B, the cut portion of shielding 202C moveswith it to remove the cut portion of shielding from the cable 200. Asnoted above, the second shielding gripper 102 may also include grippingmembers GM1 configured to grip the portion of the shielding 202P thatwas sheared such that the portion of the shielding 202P is also carriedoff of the cable 200 with the second shielding member 102. In otheraspects, the proximal most one of the first and second shieldinggrippers (e.g., relative to the termination 201T), which in the figuresis the first shielding gripper 101 may include gripping members GM forgripping the portion of the shielding 202P that was sheared. After thesecond shielding gripper 102 is removed from the cable, the portion ofthe shielding 202P retained by the first shielding gripper 101 may beremoved from the cable 200 by, for example, an air jet or in any othersuitable manner such at by the removal of the first shielding gripper101 (e.g., moving in the direction of arrow 220B off of the cable).

As can be seen in FIG. 9, after the portion of the shielding 202P issheared the shielding 202 remaining on the cable and the cut portion ofthe shielding 202C may be fanned in the area the shearing occurred. Forexample, the cut portion of the shielding 202C may include fannedshielding 202FB, and the shielding 202 remaining on the cable mayinclude fanned shielding 202FA. Removal of, for example, the proximalmost one of the first and second shielding gripper 101, 102, which inthe example shown in the Figures is the first shielding gripper, mayeffect the smoothing of the fanned shielding 202FA as the fannedshielding 202FB is removed from the cable 200 with the cut portion ofthe shielding 202C. For example, the aperture 101AP of the firstshielding gripper 101 (or the second shielding gripper 102 when thesecond shielding gripper is the proximate most one of the first andsecond shielding gripper) may include a radiused surface RS and be sizedsuch that as the first shielding gripper 101 is moved in the directionof arrow 220B off of the cable, the fanned shielding 202FA is forcedthrough the aperture 101AP (e.g., guided by the radiused surface RS) andsmoothed against the one or more conductors 203 as can be seen in FIG.10. As noted above, the shielding 202 may be smoothed down against theone or more conductors where the cable is intended for a dead-endapplication or for any other suitable purpose.

Where the shielding is to be optionally folded back over the insulatingmember 201, such as for grounded applications (or for any other suitablepurpose), in one aspect, the shielding fanner 103 may be placed over thecable 200 in a manner substantially similar to that described above withrespect to the first and second shielding grippers 101, 102 so that theshielding fanner 103 is disposed adjacent a termination 202T of the cutand smoothed shielding 202. The shielding fanner 103 may be moved in thedirection of arrow 220A towards the smoothed shielding 202 such that theplow member 1001 spreads the shielding 203 from the one or moreconductors 203 and forces the shielding up against the fanning surface1005 for fanning the shielding 202FC as shown in FIG. 11 (FIG. 15, Block1504). The shielding fanner 103 may be removed from the cable 200 in anysuitable manner such as the manner described above with respect to thefirst and second shielding grippers 101, 102.

In other aspects, the shielding fanner 103 may be omitted where thegripper portions 101A, 101B, 102A, 102B of the proximate most one offirst and second shielding gripper 101, 102 are decoupled and radiallyremoved from the cable in the direction of arrow 221 thereby leaving thefanned shielding 202FA on the cable 200.

The shielding folder 104 may be placed over the cable 200 in a mannersubstantially similar to that described above with respect to the firstand second shielding grippers 101, 102. The shielding folder 104 may bemoved in the direction of arrow 220A towards the fanned shielding 202FC(or fanned shielding 202FA) so that, as the shielding folder 104 ismoved in the direction of arrow 220A, the substantially conical portion1200 engages the fanned shielding 202FC, 202FA and folds the fannedshielding 202FC, 202FA back over the insulating member 201 until theshielding reaches the termination 201T at which point the foldedshielding 202FC, 202FA enters the substantially cylindrical portion 1201and is pressed or folded against the insulating member 201 of the cable200. The shielding folder 104 may be removed from the cable 200 in anysuitable manner such as the manner described above with respect to thefirst and second shielding grippers 101, 102.

The disclosure and drawing figures describing the operations of themethod(s) set forth herein should not be interpreted as necessarilydetermining a sequence in which the operations are to be performed.Rather, although one illustrative order is indicated, it is to beunderstood that the sequence of the operations may be modified whenappropriate. Accordingly, certain operations may be performed in adifferent order or simultaneously. Additionally, in some aspects of thedisclosure, not all operations described herein need be performed.

Examples of the disclosure may be described in the context of anaircraft manufacturing and service method 1600 as shown in FIG. 16 andan aircraft 1702 as shown in FIG. 17. During pre-production,illustrative method 1600 may include specification and design 1604 ofthe aircraft 1602 and material procurement 1606. During production,component and subassembly manufacturing 1608 and system integration 1610of the aircraft 1702 take place. Thereafter, the aircraft 1702 may gothrough certification and delivery 1612 to be placed in service 1614.While in service by a customer, the aircraft 1702 is scheduled forroutine maintenance and service 1616 (which may also includemodification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, and so on).

Each of the processes of the illustrative method 1600 may be performedor carried out by a system integrator, a third party, and/or an operator(e.g., a customer). For the purposes of this description, a systemintegrator may include, without limitation, any number of aircraftmanufacturers and major-system subcontractors; a third party mayinclude, without limitation, any number of vendors, subcontractors, andsuppliers; and an operator may be an airline, leasing company, militaryentity, service organization, and so on.

As shown in FIG. 17, the aircraft 1702 produced by the illustrativemethod 1600 may include an airframe 1718 with a plurality of high-levelsystems and an interior 1722. Examples of high-level systems include oneor more of a propulsion system 1724, an electrical system 1726, ahydraulic system 1728, and an environmental system 1730. Any number ofother systems may be included. Although an aerospace example is shown,the principles of the invention may be applied to other industries, suchas the automotive industry.

Apparatus and methods shown or described herein may be employed duringany one or more of the stages of the manufacturing and service method1600. For example, components or subassemblies corresponding tocomponent and subassembly manufacturing 1608 may be fabricated ormanufactured in a manner similar to components or subassemblies producedwhile the aircraft 1702 is in service. Also, one or more aspects of theapparatus, method, or combination thereof may be utilized during theproduction states 1608 and 1610, for example, by substantiallyexpediting assembly of or reducing the cost of an aircraft 1702.Similarly, one or more aspects of the apparatus or method realizations,or a combination thereof, may be utilized, for example and withoutlimitation, while the aircraft 1702 is in service, e.g., maintenance andservice 1116.

Different examples and aspects of the apparatus and methods aredisclosed herein that include a variety of components, features, andfunctionality. It should be understood that the various examples andaspects of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein may include any ofthe components, features, and functionality of any of the other examplesand aspects of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein in anycombination, and all of such possibilities are intended to be within thespirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Many modifications and other examples of the disclosure set forth hereinwill come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the disclosurepertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoingdescriptions and the associated drawings.

The aspects of the disclosed embodiment provide for an automated and/orhand operated removal and finishing of the shielding layer of a cablewithout damage to the one or more conductors therein.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment anapparatus for processing a cable including an insulating member, ashielding layer, and a conductor, the apparatus includes a frame forminga housing having an aperture configured to receive an end portion of thecable; a first gripping member disposed within the housing and beingconfigured to grip the cable; and a second gripping member disposedwithin the housing and being configured to grip the cable; wherein thesecond gripping member is mounted within the housing so as to be movablerelative to the first gripping member to effect fanning and cutting of aportion of the shielding layer.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment theapparatus further includes a controller configured to: couple the firstgripping member to the insulating member; couple the second grippingmember to the shielding layer; and effect relative movement between thefirst gripping member and the second gripping member towards each otherto fan and cut the shielding layer.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment, thecontroller is further configured to effect relative movement between thefirst gripping member and the second gripping member away from eachother to remove the shielding layer.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment thefirst gripping member includes a shearing portion and the secondgripping member includes a mating shearing portion configured to cut theshielding layer when the shearing portion is mated with the matingshearing portion.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment thefirst gripping member and the second gripping member are each formed intwo or more portions such that when the portions are mated an aperture,configured to grip the cable, is formed where a cable interface surfaceof the aperture includes a cable gripping member.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment thecable gripping member includes one or more of a resilient coating and aninflatable bladder configured to conform to a cross-sectional shape ofthe cable.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment theapparatus further includes a shielding fanner that is configured forrelative movement with the cable, the shielding fanner including afanning surface configured for insertion between the conductor and theshielding layer for effecting fanning of the shielding layer.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment theapparatus further includes a shielding folder that is configured forrelative movement with the cable, the shielding folder including anaperture having a folding surface, the aperture being configured forinsertion of the fanned shielding into the aperture such that thefolding surface folds the fanned shielding over the insulating member.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment anapparatus for cable processing includes a frame forming a housing; and aclamping system configured to automatically fan and cut a shieldinglayer of a cable inserted into the apparatus, and remove a cut portionof the shielding layer from the cable.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment theclamping system includes a first gripping member disposed within thehousing and being configured to grip the cable; and a second grippingmember disposed within the housing and being configured to grip thecable; wherein the second gripping member is mounted within the housingso as to be movable relative to the first gripping member to effectfanning and cutting of a portion of the shielding layer.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment thesecond gripping member is configured to remove the cut portion of theshielding layer from the cable.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment theapparatus further includes a controller configured to: couple the firstgripping member to an insulating member or the shielding layer; couplingthe second gripping member to the shielding layer; and effect relativemovement between the first gripping member and the second grippingmember towards each other to fan and cut the shielding layer.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment thefirst gripping member includes a shearing portion and the secondgripping member includes a mating shearing portion configured to cut theshielding layer when the shearing portion is mated with the matingshearing portion.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment thefirst gripping member and the second gripping member are each formed inat least two portions such that when the portions are mated an aperture,configured to grip the cable, is formed where a cable interface surfaceof the aperture includes a cable gripping member.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment thecable gripping member includes one or more of a resilient coating and aninflatable bladder configured to conform to a cross-sectional shape ofthe cable.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment theapparatus further includes a shielding fanner that is configured forrelative movement with the cable, the shielding fanner including afanning surface configured for insertion between the conductor and theshielding layer for effecting fanning of the shielding layer.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment theapparatus further includes a shielding folder that is configured forrelative movement with the cable, the shielding folder including anaperture having a folding surface, the aperture being configured forinsertion of the fanned shielding into the aperture such that thefolding surface folds the fanned shielding over an insulating member.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment amethod for processing a cable having an insulating member, a shieldinglayer and one or more conductors, includes positioning a first shieldinggripper and a second shielding gripper relative to the cable so thateach of the first and second shielding gripper grip at least theshielding layer; moving the first and second shielding grippers relativeto each other so that one or more of the first and second shieldinggripper moves along a longitudinal axis of the cable towards the otherone of the first and second shielding gripper to fan of a portion of theshielding layer gripped by the first and second shielding grippers; andshearing the portion of the shielding layer from the cable with thefirst and second shielding grippers through the relative movement of thefirst and second shielding grippers.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment themethod further includes smoothing a sheared portion of the shieldinglayer attached to the cable with a movement of one or more of the firstand second shielding gripper along the longitudinal axis of the cable.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment themethod further includes positioning a shielding fanner relative to thecable so that the shielding fanner is adjacent to a sheared portion ofthe shielding layer; and moving the shielding fanner and the cablerelative to each other so that the shielding fanner moves along thelongitudinal axis of the cable towards a cut portion of the shieldinglayer to fan the shielding layer.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment themethod further includes positioning a shielding folder relative to thecable so that the shielding folder is adjacent a fanned portion of theshielding layer; and moving the shielding folder and the cable relativeto each other so that the shielding folder moves along the longitudinalaxis of the cable towards a fanned portion of the shielding layer tofold the shielding layer over the insulating member.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiment acable processing system includes a frame having at least a first movablemember and a second movable member; a first shielding gripper disposedon the first movable member, the first shielding gripper beingconfigured for placement around and gripping of at least a shieldinglayer of a cable; and a second shielding gripper disposed on the secondmovable member, the second shielding gripper being configured forplacement around and gripping of at least the shielding layer of thecable, the first and second shielding gripper are arranged on the frameso that the cable passes simultaneously through both the first andsecond shielding grippers; wherein the frame is arranged so thatrelative movement of the first and second movable members causesrelative movement between the first and second shielding grippers to fanand circumferentially shear the shielding layer with the first andsecond shielding grippers.

Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to belimited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications andother embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of theappended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and theassociated drawings describe example embodiments in the context ofcertain illustrative combinations of elements and/or functions, itshould be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/orfunctions may be provided by alternative implementations withoutdeparting from the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for processing a cable including aninsulating member, a shielding layer, and a conductor, the apparatuscomprising: a frame forming a housing having an aperture configured toreceive an end portion of the cable; a first gripping member disposedwithin the housing and being configured to grip the cable; and a secondgripping member disposed within the housing and being configured to gripthe cable; the second gripping member being mounted within the housingso as to be movable relative to the first gripping member to effectfanning and cutting of a portion of the shielding layer; and acontroller configured to move the second gripping member toward thefirst gripping member to fan and cut the portion of the shielding layer,and move both the first gripping member and the second gripping memberalong a longitudinal axis of the cable so that the cable is removed fromthe first gripping member and the second gripping member, and the cutportion of the shielding layer, gripped by at least one of the firstgripping member and the second gripping member, is removed from thecable.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to: couple the first gripping member to the insulatingmember; couple the second gripping member to the shielding layer; andeffect relative movement between the first gripping member and thesecond gripping member towards each other to fan and cut the shieldinglayer.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to effect relative movement between the first gripping memberand the second gripping member away from each other to remove theshielding layer.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first grippingmember includes a shearing portion and the second gripping memberincludes a mating shearing portion configured to cut the shielding layerwhen the shearing portion is mated with the mating shearing portion. 5.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first gripping member and thesecond gripping member are each formed in two or more portions such thatwhen the portions are mated an aperture, configured to grip the cable,is formed where a cable interface surface of the aperture includes acable gripping member.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising ashielding fanner that is configured for relative movement with thecable, the shielding fanner including a fanning surface configured forinsertion between the conductor and the shielding layer for effectingfanning of the shielding layer.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, furthercomprising a shielding folder that is configured for relative movementwith the cable, the shielding folder including an aperture having afolding surface, the aperture being configured for insertion of thefanned shielding into the aperture such that the folding surface foldsthe fanned shielding over the insulating member.
 8. An apparatus forcable processing comprising: a frame forming a housing; and a clampingsystem including a first gripping member, a second gripping member, anda controller, the controller being configured to: move the secondgripping member relative to the first gripping member to automaticallyfan and cut a shielding layer of a cable inserted into the apparatus andthrough the first gripping member and the second gripping member, andremove a cut portion of the shielding layer from the cable by movingboth the first gripping member and the second gripping member along alongitudinal axis of the cable so that the cable is removed from thefirst gripping member and the second gripping member where the cutportion of the shielding layer, gripped by at least one of the firstgripping member and the second gripping member, is removed from thecable.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein: the first gripping memberis disposed within the housing and is configured to grip the cable; andthe second gripping member is disposed within the housing and isconfigured to grip the cable; wherein the second gripping member ismounted within the housing so as to be movable relative to the firstgripping member to effect fanning and cutting of a portion of theshielding layer.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the secondgripping member is configured to remove the cut portion of the shieldinglayer from the cable.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein thecontroller is configured to: couple the first gripping member to aninsulating member or the shielding layer; couple the second gripingmember to the shielding layer; and effect relative movement between thefirst gripping member and the second gripping member towards each otherto fan and cut the shielding layer.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9,wherein the first gripping member includes a shearing portion and thesecond gripping member includes a mating shearing portion configured tocut the shielding layer when the shearing portion is mated with themating shearing portion.
 13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the firstgripping member and the second gripping member are each formed in atleast two portions such that when the portions are mated an aperture,configured to grip the cable, is formed where a cable interface surfaceof the aperture includes a cable gripping member.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the cable gripping member includes one or more of aresilient coating and an inflatable bladder, both of which areconfigured to conform to a cross-sectional shape of the cable.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 9, further comprising a shielding fanner that isconfigured for relative movement with the cable, the shielding fannerincluding a fanning surface configured for insertion between theconductor and the shielding layer for effecting fanning of the shieldinglayer.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a shieldingfolder that is configured for relative movement with the cable, theshielding folder including an aperture having a folding surface, theaperture being configured for insertion of the fanned shielding into theaperture such that the folding surface folds the fanned shielding overan insulating member.
 17. A method for processing a cable having aninsulating member, a shielding layer and one or more conductors, themethod comprising: positioning a first shielding gripper and a secondshielding gripper, disposed within a frame forming a housing, relativeto the cable, which is extending into the housing, so that each of thefirst and second shielding gripper grip at least the shielding layer;moving the first and second shielding grippers relative to each other,within the housing, so that one or more of the first and secondshielding gripper moves along a longitudinal axis of the cable towardsthe other one of the first and second shielding gripper to fan a portionof the shielding layer gripped by the first and second shieldinggrippers; shearing the portion of the shielding layer from the cablewith the first and second shielding grippers through the relativemovement of the first and second shielding grippers within the housing;and removing the cable from the housing by moving both the firstgripping member and the second gripping member along the longitudinalaxis of the cable so that the cable is removed from the first grippingmember and the second gripping member, and a cut portion of theshielding layer, gripped by at least one of the first gripping memberand the second gripping member, is removed from the cable.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, further comprising smoothing a sheared portion ofthe shielding layer attached to the cable with a movement of one or moreof the first and second shielding gripper along the longitudinal axis ofthe cable.
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: positioning ashielding fanner relative to the cable so that the shielding fanner isadjacent to a sheared portion of the shielding layer; and moving theshielding fanner and the cable relative to each other so that theshielding fanner moves along the longitudinal axis of the cable towardsa cut portion of the shielding layer to fan the shielding layer.
 20. Themethod of claim 17, further comprising: positioning a shielding folderrelative to the cable so that the shielding folder is adjacent a fannedportion of the shielding layer; and moving the shielding folder and thecable relative to each other so that the shielding folder moves alongthe longitudinal axis of the cable towards a fanned portion of theshielding layer to fold the shielding layer over the insulating member.